National Campaign Launched to Improve Quality of Life for Nursing Home Residents and Staff
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Emilie Fennell
(512) 334-1649
efennell@txqio.sdps.org
1-800-725-9216
(October 6, 2006 – AUSTIN) –According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2006, many of the nation’s 78.2 million baby boomers are turning 60—close to 7,918 a day or 330 each hour. As America’s population ages, TMF Health Quality Institute and the Texas-Nursing Home Quality Initiative Coalition are joining a national campaign, Advancing Excellence in Nursing Homes, to improve the quality of care and quality of life for the country’s 1.5 million nursing home residents.
“Nursing homes nationwide can take part in this free, two-year voluntary campaign,” said Gloria Bean, RN, Director of Nursing Home Quality Improvement for TMF, the Medicare Quality Improvement Organization for Texas. “The campaign targets eight measurable clinical quality and organizational improvement goals on which nursing homes can work to improve their quality of care.”
In the last four years, many Texas nursing homes have partnered with TMF on quality initiative projects. “We have seen significant improvement in many of these nursing homes,” said Bean. “This campaign is yet another opportunity for Texas nursing homes to improve their residents’ quality of life.”
The goals of the campaign include creating a culture of person-centered (individualized) care and an empowered workforce in nursing homes. Participating nursing homes will work on at least three of the eight measurable goals such as reducing high-risk pressure ulcers, physical restraints and increasing staff retention.
Texas nursing homes will have an opportunity to enroll in this campaign at the American Health Care Association 57th Annual Convention in San Antonio, October 8 through October 11. “TMF will have a booth at the conference, and all nursing homes are welcome to stop by and register,” said Bean. Throughout the next two years, TMF will provide these nursing homes with free quality improvement tools and resources.
To find more information about the campaign and also to enroll, go to www.nhqualitycampaign.org.
About TMF Health Quality Institute
TMF Health Quality Institute, formerly Texas Medical Foundation, is an Austin, Texas-based nonprofit consulting company focused on promoting quality health and health care through contracts with federal, state and local governments, as well as private organizations. TMF partners with health care providers in a variety of settings to ensure that every person receives the appropriate care, every time.